Every racehorse girl whose inner conflict has been resolved will remain devoted to the person who helped her resolve it. This is a realization that the Golden Journey learned early on—and now, the Golden Master has finally come to understand this feeling as well.
Chapter 521: We Will Not Stop While Waiting
"For a racehorse like the Golden Master, perhaps they would cherish the time spent with someone like you more than victory, my dear student?"
Maruzensky was well aware that Ikezoe's choice was actually out of necessity, because perhaps every temperamental racehorse girl, after having her inner conflict resolved, would unconsciously revolve around that person, as if they regarded that person as their whole world—but as trainers, they could not regard only one racehorse girl as their whole world; they had many more girls who needed them to unleash their potential.
As Ikezoe said, he could certainly go and study for three years, but wouldn't those female racers lose their prime years because of it? This was something that Ikezoe found hard to accept.
Therefore, using this position as a gift to thank Maruzensky and repay her for her help to Ikezoe is actually the best way. It kills two birds with one stone: Ikezoe doesn't need to leave Japan and can continue to help more Japanese racehorse girls reach higher goals, while Maruzensky can also realize her own ideals.
"But is this really a good idea? For the Gold Master?"
"You...you're also very reluctant to part with that child, aren't you?"
"Yes..." In response to Maruzensky's words, Ikezoe readily admitted this. Was he really at ease with the Golden Master? Of course not. In his opinion, although the Golden Master had made a lot of progress, she was still far from being self-reliant. At the very least, he still needed to teach the Golden Master some life skills outside of competitions so that she wouldn't have to rely on takeout and carrots sent from Japan to survive.
However, as a racehorse girl, the Golden Master has indeed matured to the point where she can go to distant places that Chi Tian cannot reach on her own. Chi Tian must admit that he has nothing more to give the Golden Master, and continuing to stay by his side would only be a constraint on her.
Ikezoe is not Wada. When Wada was "left behind" by Good Opera, he was heartbroken as if he had lost the whole world. But even Wada knew that he was a burden to Good Opera and finally chose to let go and let Good Opera go to the world.
Chi Tian had already made up his mind to this, in fact, he had made up his mind from the very beginning. He even looked forward to the day when the Gold Master could "shake off" him from this constraint, so that he would not have to do such cruel things himself.
"I really hope that Orpheus is also a child who is single-mindedly pursuing victory and becoming stronger... so that she can see a bigger world and complete a full journey without regrets."
"I can understand that feeling. We all hope that the children we care about most can go further, and that makes us feel very proud."
Maruzensky did not deny Ikezoe's idea, but felt that such a thing was too difficult for a racehorse girl like the Golden Master.
On the other side, the Gold Master silently retreated upon hearing this. She had already understood Chi Tian's thoughts, and what remained was her choice.
Do you want to go to a bigger stage? The Golden Master asked herself, and of course she did. From being completely ignorant of herself at the beginning to now standing on the world stage, she certainly had a heart that wanted to become stronger. She also knew very well that the Japanese arena could no longer confine her. If she wanted to become stronger, she had to go to more world-class arenas.
And that place... is beyond the reach of Ikezoe, who chose to stay in Japan. Therefore, she may have to move forward alone in the days to come.
Without Ikezoe's company, he raced alone, and went to victory alone...
Can she accept such a future?
The Golden Master was unaware that she had never considered such a question, just as she had never thought of the option of separating from Chi Tian—she had never considered what it would feel like to win without Chi Tian's company.
It was as if all victories had suddenly lost their meaning and luster. The Gold Master didn't know what he had been pursuing victory for all this time. Was it to receive cheers? To gain everyone's recognition and worship? To prove his lineage as a member of the Gold Family?
Or perhaps... she was simply running in response to someone's expectations?
Unconsciously, as the Gold Master thought of this, Chi Tian's face quickly appeared in her mind. And unconsciously, when that face appeared in the Gold Master's mind, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl up slightly.
Yes... I stepped onto the field to respond to the expectations of a fool, to respond to the expectations of the person who told me from the beginning that I could win the whole world.
So, in that case... to meet Chi Tian's expectations, if he really wanted her to "dump" him...
So, she decided to do it.
……
Some time later, Ikezoe and Maruzensky said goodbye to each other. They both had their own things to do. Maruzensky came to France partly to help Ikezoe investigate the arrangements of the company and the information about the big shock. On the other hand, her job was to help the Gold Master familiarize himself with the important places in Europe as a senior.
The weather in Paris is unpredictable these days, and they are likely to face a tough challenge. To avoid a repeat of the initial disadvantage they experienced in the clash between the Good Opera and the Noble Family, Maruzensky is very experienced in this regard and can greatly help the Golden Masters adapt in the future.
As for why Good Opera wasn't helped at the beginning... it's mainly because the European venues are practically the home of the Saddler's I-series racehorses. Good Opera adapted so quickly that it didn't need Maruzensky's help at all, and even ran more smoothly than Maruzensky himself.
However, the Golden Maestro is different. Although her talent could certainly adapt to major European operas in time, the time allotted for the Arc de Triomphe was simply too short. To achieve the level of a great opera within a few months, she would certainly need the guidance of Maruzensky.
As Chizumi slowly walked towards the dormitory, pondering the content of his previous conversation with Maruzensky, he failed to notice the Golden Master waiting for him in a blind spot.
"...Chi Tian."
"Huh? Orphie? What are you doing here?"
Chi Tian subconsciously turned around, only to find that the Golden Master's mask had been removed at some point. However, after the mask, which originally symbolized her full power, was removed, a faint smile that Chi Tian had never seen before was revealed as she slowly approached him.
For some reason, seeing the gentle-looking Gold Master made Chi Tian subconsciously feel that something was wrong, fearing that the Gold Master would suddenly change his expression and remind him of the pain he had suffered before.
This time, however, Chi Tian did not sense any hostility from the Golden Master, but the Golden Master's change still puzzled him.
"What's wrong? You look like you have something to say but are afraid to say it."
"I should be asking you that question..." Chi Tian breathed a slight sigh of relief in the face of the Gold Master's sarcasm. However, after a long while, Chi Tian did indeed ask the Gold Master, who had inexplicably appeared in front of him, the question that had been on his mind.
"...Orphie."
"Hmm?" The master craftsman knew what Chi Tian wanted to ask, but still followed his lead and continued to inquire.
"If... one day, I can't keep up with you, and you have to go out and challenge a bigger stage on your own... will you blame me?"
Faced with Chi Tian's question, the Gold Master remained silent for a moment. Finally, under Chi Tian's slightly uneasy gaze, the Gold Master calmly spoke:
"...If that day ever comes, I will leave you behind without hesitation, surpass you, and after winning the whole world, I will return to your side."
"I won't stop for anyone, Ikezoe, you understand."
This is the answer you wanted, right? Ikezoe.
The Gold Master went against his truest feelings and rationally chose the "correct" option. And sure enough, after the Gold Master said those words, Ikezono's expression visibly changed from surprise to relief, and finally to joy.
"...Thank you, Orpheus, my best partner."
"Not just the best partner, Chi Tian, we're the strongest partner, right?" The Golden Master chuckled and shook her head. Now, she probably cherishes every moment she spends with Chi Tian even more than before.
She still chose to respond to Chi Tian's expectations. This time, she did not choose to put Chi Tian in a difficult position. Perhaps this is proof of her growth.
Chapter 522: McQueen Wants to Go on an International Expedition?
With the situation in Paris gradually stabilizing, everyone in Japan has fallen into a long-awaited period of calm. The entire Ikezoe group has gone on an overseas expedition, and Wada Kazuyoshi has been discussing with the chairman about the upcoming "personally creating the most eye-catching stage" (Korean words), which has made the team much quieter.
Fortunately, Jinlang has gotten used to this feeling, and he is not lonely. Several kids in the team are by his side, which even gives Jinlang the feeling of entering old age ahead of time.
"So, McQueen, are you confident about the Autumn Emperor's Prize in October?"
"Of course, I'm determined to win this time." McQueen is very confident about her desire to win the Spring and Autumn Emperor's Prizes for the second time. The main reason is that the Golden Master is obviously not able to come back to compete with her in the Autumn Emperor's Prize. Without the biggest threat, McQueen will have no opponent who can match her in the Autumn Emperor's Prize. Therefore, she is full of confidence this time.
"And after the second consecutive Spring and Autumn Emperor's Award... Trainer, would you like to hear my plans?"
"Hmm?" Jin Lang was also a little curious upon hearing this, only to see McQueen smile slightly and say:
“I watched the expedition of the Good Opera classmate before, and now the expedition of the Master classmate... They have both reached the world stage. As role models for their teams and captains, I feel that I should not lose to them in this aspect.”
"I also wish to participate in the expedition after the Emperor's Gift next spring. Trainer, please grant me permission."
“An expedition…” Jin Lang was somewhat surprised that McQueen would propose such an ideal, but upon further reflection, he felt that this seemed to be the kind of reaction that Meguro McQueen, as a racehorse girl, would have.
As the Mejiro family's racehorse girl, McQueen has always hoped to win the Emperor's Prize and realize the Mejiro family's dream. Now, she has proven that she has already realized the Mejiro family's dream, and she is about to achieve a two-year consecutive reign as the winner of the Spring and Autumn Emperor's Prizes. If she can achieve a three-year consecutive reign as the winner of the Spring Emperor's Prize, McQueen feels that everything she has done for the Mejiro family should be enough to repay their kindness.
For the remaining races, she wants to run for herself as a racehorse named Mejiro McQueen. She doesn't want to be confined to Japan, nor does she want to be limited to only receiving the Emperor's Prize. She also wants to travel to other countries like Good Opera and Gold Master, to see a wider world.
“Yes.” McQueen nodded and said with a smile, “I plan to follow in the footsteps of my predecessor, Golden Journey… and like her, travel around the world while on expeditions. That way, I can not only continue to run as a racehorse girl, but also fulfill my childhood dream.”
Every child dreams of traveling the world when they are young. This is especially true for McQueen, who was born into a large family like Mejiro Ranch. She was already pampered from a young age, but being raised as a racehorse girl within such a family made her even more curious about the outside world from childhood.
This remains unchanged even today. Therefore, after fulfilling the Mejiro family's long-cherished wish, McQueen plans to leave Japan for a while, go on an expedition abroad, and travel around to fulfill his own desires.
“That’s a great choice.” Lu Duo, standing to the side, nodded approvingly and said, “Although the results of expeditions abroad may not be ideal, broadening our horizons is beneficial for all of us.”
"Speaking of which, I also went on an overseas expedition with Sirius... It's just a pity that the results weren't ideal." Rudolph couldn't help but recall his experience of going on an overseas expedition as Japan's strongest racehorse girl. Unfortunately, although Rudolph was very strong, the racehorse girls in the American racetrack at that time were even more ridiculously strong. Rudolph's final results in the expedition were also poor, and he and the Sirius sisters returned home with a smug look on their faces.
"However, the results of the expedition are secondary. Even if we fail, she'll still be a top-tier racehorse, so just go for it with confidence." Rudolph glossed over these unpleasant matters, and Jinlang nodded, then turned to McQueen and asked:
"So, what are the plans? Which country and which match will you start with?"
"To be honest... I haven't decided yet. Sister Aldan recommended that I go to China, but I heard that the competition schedule there is relatively short. I plan to start with what I'm good at first."
McQueen's plans for the future are still in the planning stage. After all, the Autumn Emperor's Prize awaits her, and her plan is to win the Spring and Autumn Emperor's Prizes consecutively, and then make further plans after winning the Spring Emperor's Prize three times in a row the following year.
"It was just a spur-of-the-moment idea, so I'll have to trouble you, my trainer, to help me plan things out." McQueen clasped her hands together, hoping her trainer could give her some advice. After all, this was her first time deciding to go abroad alone, and there were many things she wasn't familiar with. Therefore, she hoped her trainer could offer some suggestions before she went abroad alone.
As for going abroad, Jin Lang couldn't say he was very familiar with it, but if McQueen said she wanted to go abroad for an expedition, then Jin Lang would certainly do his best to help her. He smiled and nodded, saying:
“I’ll keep an eye on it, McQueen, and I’m also looking forward to seeing you achieve even greater things on the expedition.”
"I may not achieve great success, but I will try my best." McQueen nodded without any psychological burden. For McQueen, it was less of an expedition and more of a trip to realize his childhood dream, to travel, and to relax his mind and body.
Furthermore, McQueen knew that his trainer hoped he could see a bigger world before deciding whether to return. This coincided with McQueen's own thoughts, so McQueen, who had previously chosen to leave the Mejiro family, confidently formulated this plan.
As for the safety of traveling abroad alone... please, in this world, no one would be so foolish as to attack a racehorse girl unless they want to suffer the "divine punishment" of the three goddesses.
“That’s a good thing; more children can see the outside world.” Rudolph nodded approvingly, then glanced slightly to the other side, smiling with a hint of playfulness as she said:
"However... our Emperor seems to have a lot to say about this. He looks all pouty."
"Ah..." Rudolf's words made Jin Lang realize where the seemingly imperceptible death stare behind him had come from.
Jin Lang turned around and saw that at the entrance of the team room, the East Sea Emperor poked her small head out, staring at Jin Lang and McQueen's group with an indignant look on her face. Her angry expression showed just how unhappy she was.
In reality, the Emperor's attitude towards Jinlang has been like this ever since the Japanese derby. At first, Jinlang thought that the Emperor was just being stubborn and that the child would be fine in a few days. However, he did not expect that this matter would last for several months.
Every time Jinlang saw the Emperor, he would subconsciously want to greet him, but then, as if realizing something, the Emperor would lower his hand, turn away with a huff, and walk away without paying any attention to Jinlang.
However, when Jin Lang is working alone, or with McQueen, the Golden Ship, or Rudolf, he can always feel the intense "malicious" gaze of the East Sea Emperor from behind, as if he wants to pierce through him.
But every time Jin Lang tried to talk to the Emperor, the Emperor would throw a tantrum and run away, leaving Jin Lang feeling helpless and ultimately unable to find a good solution.
As for this, although Lu Duosheng knew some of the reasons, he couldn't explain anything. However, it seems that their young nobleman, who pretends to be cool on the surface but is actually afraid of loneliness and craves attention, has finally become unable to bear the loneliness.
"Is there anything you want to say? Emperor? Why don't you just say it all now?"
"Waaah—!" The emperor, whose feigned indifference had been exposed, finally walked into the room with great dissatisfaction. She felt that the atmosphere was very strange. It was as if she was the only one who was still agonizing over the bone-touching incident after the Japanese derby. Everyone else treated this matter as an ordinary and mundane little thing.
However, the emperor was now even more dissatisfied with something else, and he said:
"Don't leave me out here alone to discuss such important matters!" The emperor first expressed his displeasure, then turned to McQueen and asked:
"McQueen, didn't we agree to settle this with each other? Why did you suddenly decide to leave Japan? I have a right to know about this, don't I?"
"I want to go on an international expedition too! I can be a burden to you, Chairman!"
Chapter 523: The Emperor of the East Sea: I also want to see the Three Goddesses!
Donghai Diwang is gradually becoming dissatisfied with her current ranking in the team. Perhaps it is because the victory in the Japanese derby has restored Donghai Diwang's confidence, or perhaps it is because she is becoming more and more ambitious and no longer wants to be at the bottom of the team. Her desire to become stronger is becoming more and more urgent, and she wants to prove her ability more and more.
She gradually came to understand that her talent was no less than any of the racehorse girls present, and was even better. However, the reason why she had not been able to keep up with everyone was because she had not yet resolved that so-called "knot in her heart." The Emperor of the East Sea knew the answer very well, and it lay with his trainer.
He had known about the leg injury for a long time, which is why the president paid extra attention to him and even had him join the trainers' team when he was unaware of it, so as to change his running style early on. All of this was to protect his legs from injury as much as possible.
You'll Also Like
-
Poverty makes me capable of anything.
Chapter 1753 10 hours ago -
Honkai Impact 3rd experience, starting with a thousand Herrschers
Chapter 130 10 hours ago -
Doctor will never die in a hellish situation.
Chapter 199 10 hours ago -
I am the Bandit King of the East Sea.
Chapter 1255 10 hours ago -
Having trained real horses, why are we now training racehorse girls after time-traveling?
Chapter 310 10 hours ago -
Honkai Impact 3rd: The Girl Who Chases the Flame
Chapter 304 10 hours ago -
Pokémon: Starting as a Farmer Instead of a Trainer
Chapter 475 10 hours ago -
I became Hokage in Tokyo
Chapter 511 10 hours ago -
Douluo Continent: My Martial Soul is a Simulator
Chapter 301 10 hours ago -
In Konoha, they wiped out the Sarutobi clan at the start.
Chapter 459 10 hours ago